The Western Hockey League, in partnership with BC Tree Fruits, is proud to recognize the Moose Jaw Novice ‘A’ White Warriors as recipients of the BC Tree Fruits Training Day experience. The Novice ‘A’ White Warriors took to the ice with their WHL heroes – the Moose Jaw Warriors – on Thursday, January 31 in Moose Jaw, Sask.

“It was really fun,” said Bentley Messner, a player with the Novice ‘A’ White Warriors. “It was a great opportunity, probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

As winners of the BC Tree Fruits Training Day contest, the Novice ‘A’ White Warriors participated in a day complete with on- and off-ice training with the WHL’s Warriors, a comprehensive tour of the Warriors dressing room, and finally a dinner with the Warriors. On-ice training included an hour-long practice working on passing and shooting skills, followed by a scrimmage. The off-ice session included a cool down led by athletic staff with the WHL’s Warriors.

“We had a lot of fun doing skill drills and scrimmaging at the end,” said Josh Brook, captain of the Moose Jaw Warriors. “All the kids are smiling, we’re all smiling and enjoying it. It was a very fun day.”

While Brook and the Warriors imparted some valuable skills training and tips on the Novice ‘A’ White Warriors, the youngsters managed to provide their tutors with a lesson or two as well, ensuring both teams went home having enjoyed positive experiences.

“It’s pretty humbling seeing how much the kids care about us and how much they look up to us,” said Adam Evanoff, goaltender for the Moose Jaw Warriors. “It’s pretty cool. You have to keep having fun with the game. Sometimes things get tense during the season and these kids just reminded us to have fun.”

Following their BC Tree Fruits Training Day experience, the Novice ‘A’ White Warriors enjoyed a VIP Game Experience with the WHL’s Warriors, including watching warmups from the Warriors bench and welcoming the team to the ice at game time.

From October 15 through December 16, 2018, minor hockey teams across Western Canada submitted photos featuring their best #AppleFace for their chance to be selected as winners of BC Tree Fruits Training Day. All valid entries were subject to random draw, with the Moose Jaw Novice ‘A’ White Warriors being selected as winners of the BC Tree Fruits Training Day experience.

WATCH more on the Moose Jaw Novice ‘A’ Warriors BC Tree Fruits Training Day experience.